The Mortgage Files

Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.

Modern house with a 'Sold' sign in the front yard, symbolizing successful real estate transactions. In the background, a clipboard with appraisal documents and a magnifying glass emphasizes the importance of accurate property valuations and working with an experienced lender

New Fannie Mae Mortgage Value Rules: What Homebuyers and Refinancers Need to Know

By Scott Sheldon / September 3, 2024

As of October 31, 2024, Fannie Mae has introduced new requirements that will significantly impact how property values are assessed in conventional loans. Whether you’re looking to buy a home or refinance your current mortgage, these changes make it more critical than ever to work with an experienced lender. Here’s what you need to know.…

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accurate mortgage rates

Why the Media is Not Your Friend When It Comes to Mortgage Rates

By Scott Sheldon / August 7, 2024

When it comes to understanding mortgage rates, relying solely on media sources can be misleading. The best barometer for where mortgage rates truly stand is the actual source: FreddieMac.com. This is the entity that buys the loans made and sold by mortgage aggregators. When you see headlines claiming that interest rates are lower or have…

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How earning more income affects your ability to buy a home.

How earning more income affects your ability to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / April 3, 2023

If you’re thinking about purchasing a house, it’s not just your credit score and your down payment that counts, it’s also your income, as your income drives affordability. How much income you generate is going to determine whether you’re able to buy a home. Here are some things to know about income when buying a…

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4 proven ways real estate wealth

4 proven ways real estate will make your wealthier

By Scott Sheldon / January 8, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home, good, it’s a sound financial decision and it’s the bedrock by which most Americans in America have created wealth for themselves and their families. Here are the four pillars of owning real estate and how they all work in tandem with each other to make you wealthier as…

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How to determine which mortgage loan program is best based on your credit score

Why do mortgage companies have to pull a credit report?

By Scott Sheldon / August 21, 2022

When you apply to purchase or refinance a home the mortgage company is required to pull a copy of your credit report in order to issue a credit decision. Here are things you need to be aware of as it relates to your credit report and credit score from a financial services provider…   The…

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When are housing prices going to return to normal?

When are housing prices going to return to normal?

By Scott Sheldon / June 29, 2022

For those that have been sitting on the sidelines, watching what’s happening in the market. Are you thinking to yourself “gosh I should have bought a house last year or a few years ago!” Remember, hindsight is 20-20 and you can’t regress you can only go forward. So, when are housing prices going to return…

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Should you refinance into a higher rate mortgage?

Should you refinance into a higher rate mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / April 3, 2022

It is no surprise inflation is upon us, and interest rates are feeling the rising cost of goods and services. Everything seems like it is going up in price. Mortgage rates are no exception. One thing you might want to consider as it relates to refinancing your house is there is a net tangible benefit.…

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Should you refinance during rising rates?

Should you refinance during rising rates?

By Scott Sheldon / March 14, 2022

If you’re thinking about refinancing your house and you’ve been on the fence; now would be a good time to start that application. Interest rates are all relative so it’s important to understand the total picture when deciding whether you should refinance your property.   It’s no surprise that the federal reserve more than likely…

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